How to deal with pupils' misbehaviour
When dealing with parents of children who are difficult, teachers and school staff should have processes in place to protect everybody's rights rather than attempting to lay blame on each other ("Librarian assaulted by family members of 'reprimanded' pupil", Gulf News, March 25). Parents are already in a vulnerable position when being called in to discuss their child's behaviour, so the school will usually be met with resistance. A complaint against the child is considered to be a complaint against the family. To ensure that a responsive dialogue occurs, schools need to have professionals on hand and documented incidents of misbehaviour on the child's part. But this is ineffective if the parties involved are not transparent, sensitive and professional.
From Mr D. Ribott
Abu Dhabi
Accept the change
I noticed that most supermarkets in the UAE have no plans to reduce plastic bag usage ("Plastic bags: Guide to supermarket policy", Gulf News, March 25). If there is a common policy to reduce plastic bags in all supermarkets, residents will definitely support the retailers. There is no harm in charging for plastic bags, at least until biodegradable ones are in place. As part of the campaign to save the Earth, I think all shops must use bags made of recycled paper. Shoppers must accept this change, in the interest of the environment.
From Mr K. V. Shams Al Deen
Sharjah
Creating awareness
Thank you for taking up one of the most important environmental issues today - the indiscriminate use of plastic bags. Most people know about its adverse long-term effects. Yet, we are not doing enough to stamp out this menace from our beautiful country. Cheap, eco-friendly alternatives such as jute, cotton and paper bags are being used in many countries. I think Gulf News's campaign will definitely give rise to a movement in environmental awareness, which will result in a complete ban on using plastic bags. We must act now to save all living beings from destruction - including ourselves.
From Mr Rabi Banerjee
Ajman
House hunting
When I moved from Abu Dhabi to Dubai six months ago, I thought finding accommodation would be easy as I am a bachelor. I considered renting a home costing between Dh45,000 and Dh60,000 in Dubai or Sharjah. A month's search led me to an unfurnished, shared accommodation, which I took because it was close to my workplace. I had to sacrifice 70 per cent of my salary just to find a suitable home. Although I am only 25 years, I feel like I have aged to 40 years, and I want to quit in the next five years.
From Mr Ronnie Mammen
Dubai
Monitor exit
I would like to bring to the attention of the authorities the pathetic management of traffic on the Sharjah Ring Road at the third exit to Emirates Road. In the morning, any time after 6am, there are three lanes trying to converge into one. I have never seen police monitoring the roads between 6am and 7.30am. People like me, who drive in the correct lane, look like fools and take as much as half an hour just to get to Emirates Road. If Sharjah Police can intervene and monitor this exit during peak hours, it would ease the flow of traffic.
From Mr Rangan Kasturi
Sharjah
Law of demand and supply
The report featuring the CEO of Dubai Mercantile Exchange (DME) was very interesting ("DME studies West Texas crude contract", Gulf News, March 23). Why must we pay $108 (Dh397) for a barrel of oil? I believe it's because there is a high demand for oil and less supply. Nowadays, there is greater inflation in the Gulf, while the Indian rupee is seeing an appreciation in its value. We have agreed to pay five times more for a commodity or raw material, but do not realise that the same applies to the resource of manpower.
From Mr Mahmoud Khaja
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Marvellous job
In Abu Dhabi, many motorists block pedestrian crossings and do not care about their safety. As soon as pedestrians begin to cross the road, motorists start honking. The police also need to fine those who use the roads as a race track, since they disturb the residents with the loud noise that they create. Additionally, I would like to thank Abu Dhabi Police for trying their best to make the city a more comfortable place to live in. They are doing a marvellous job and I salute them.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request
It was like an earthquake
We heard the sound of a massive explosion on the morning of the Al Quoz incident - it felt like an earthquake, as the windows of the building were rattling ("Thick blanket of smoke envelops Dubai after Al Quoz fire", Gulf News, March 27). We then saw very thick and dark clouds of smoke rising up and spreading across the sky. Everyone was anxious and we became more distressed when we heard police sirens and saw ambulances and fire trucks speeding to Al Quoz.
From Ms Deepa
Dubai
Website comment
Complete chaos
I live about six kilometres away from where the Al Quoz fire occurred. When I stepped out of my house to head for work, there was black soot in our villa compound. I noticed that my car was covered in soot, but thought that it was because it wasn't washed. When I looked up, I saw a great plume of black smoke. Ash was raining down, with a few explosions going off in the distance. Fortunately, my workplace was in the opposite direction of the incident. But there was complete chaos and frustration as traffic headed towards Jebel Ali.
From Mr Lawrence
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Enforce rules
In spite of the numerous traffic rules and fines issued in recent weeks, the number of accidents has not reduced. I was held back at a traffic light for two turns because the junction was full of undeterred irate drivers who do not understand simple rules - this despite being in full view of a police station in Deira. We can make as many rules as we want, but without any continuous enforcement, there will be no lasting effect. I hope the authorities take notice and do something about it.
From Ms Ineke Dsouza
Dubai
Beauty pageant for a change
A recent article about a beauty pageant queen ran in Gulf News, but I think the information was of no use to us ("Muscat-based beauty pageant queen is poised to win", Gulf News, March 25). Someone wins, is crowned and rises to fame. More cosmetics are sold, a certain lifestyle is promoted and the society is influenced. This kind of contest also allows grading people in terms of colour. It seems the newspaper has published the report just to give readers something else to read besides the killings and deaths that occur every day.
From Mr Mohammad Shamsheer
Dubai
Warning to parent
I feel sorry for the family of the boy who died after falling into a drainage pit ("Six-year-old Emirati child drowns in drainage pit", Gulf News, March 25). But I hope this will serve as a warning to parents who allow their children to play late in the evening. The night hours should be for children to rest at home with their family, and to spend time learning or sleeping soundly.
From Mr Igho E.
Ajman
